When the Heart is Young - John William Godward
- When the Heart is Young
- John William Godward, (English, 1861-1922)
- Victorian Neoclassicism
- Painted 1902
- Oil on Canvas
- 51.4 x 101.6 cm
- Private Collection
One of my favourite pieces of John William Godward's, who painted many scenes featuring young women in moments of languor in classical dress, and in a classical setting.
The beautiful, deep blue of the sea is constrasted with the softer blue of the sky, which is finished with soft, golden views of islands in the distance. The orange frame in the top right is coiled with fresh, green vines which spill over the marble and point to reclining subject. There is more foliage on the left, with a small garden of flowers in a soft palette of whites, reds, and purples, echoing the marble, and the pink fabric of the toga. The marble against which the subject rests is simple, with very few veins, whilst Godward's technical skill is hinted with the rendering of the mosaic at the bottom, and the spots of turquoise and dark blue marble. Like the snaking vines, the small fan which rests on the floor also points to the subject, and appears to be made from the feathers of a peacock.
The model's supine pose is entrancing. Her parted hair neatly flows behind, and spills out in front. The soft wrinkles of her toga clothe the radiance of her arm, knee, and leg, underneath, whilst the beautifully rendered leopard pelt emphasise the softness of her skin; particularly where she rests her face. The colour of the toga, and the pink glow of her cheeks accentuate her youth and innocence. As you stare into her deep, longing eyes, you can't help but be overcome by the idealised portrayal of a beautiful Summer's day in classical antiquity.